Oh Hello Sunshine!

What we like:

Retro looks a winner

handling

good enough equipment list

What we dislike:

Plastic switchgear could be much better

A simple 1.2 litre 2-valve per cylinder turbocharged engine powers the Beetle. While this may seem a little odd in a time where engines are multi-valve affairs, the little 1.2 does produce a respectable 104bhp, and delivers a respectable 175Nm of torque, with a generous spread from 1,500 to 4,100rpm. Delivering this power to the front wheels is their signature smooth-shifting 7-speed DSG transmission. While it is not a quick car, delivering a 0-100km/h sprint in 11.7 seconds, the Mk6 Golf-related car handles well around the turns, and feels eager to do so.

Plant the Beetle into a series of tight bends, and you’d notice very minimal chassis flex. The while the suspension is set for a more comfortable ride, Volkswagen had found that sweet spot of predictable handling and a plush enough ride.

The Beetle is plenty of fun as a car on the whole, we love the fact that the 1.2 performs sufficiently well for our roads.

We like how it really is quite a lot less “Flower Power-ish” than the previous “New” Beetle, and instead seemingly able to cater to a more diverse audience with its styling. Simply a car with its own identity, built for everyone out there who loves an ounce of top-down fun.

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